Abstract : The capability to produce 10 tubes/month on a single shift basis is to be proven by a pilot production run. All parts to make initial tube assemblies were ordered and most of them received. The ceramic cylinders forming the tube envelope are 94% alumina bodies. The metallic components of the envelope are of Ceramvar, an alloy having expansion characteristics to match those of the ceramic. Some substitutions have been necessary in the interests of speed to obtain first samples. Tooling is almost complete. (Author)